Does anyone else feel that January is this crisp, cold month fraught with possibility and reflection?

I have taken some time to slow down and am working through my commitments, both personal and professional. I am eating well and exercising.

This year I am also taking the time to investigate a new approach to my New Year’s resolutions.

I made a list of all of the things I want. I did not separate personal wants vs family vs professional. I listed them all. Next, I made a list of the things that I need and I made a separate list of the things that make me happy.

I looked at all three lists together and found three things that hit all three lists. See below.

I have decided that these are my three goals for 2008. I have crashed and burned in all of these categories over the past year or two.

My top priority for 2008 is my family. Hands down, they win. I am not proud to say that I have not always done this. My husband is an unendingly patient man and my son is so flexible… it makes it really easy for me to overload my life and find my energy and focus somewhere else related to work. I am working towards striking a balance where we find our family always on top.

I have found great joy in creating again. The dye studio has been such a joy since I decided to change my focus and slow down. Saturday mornings with the dye pots and Justin Timberlake can be pure bliss. (Please don’t ask about JT… I am broken when it comes to him) Yes I dance. Yes I almost burn myself… ok not really. But there was this one incident… It is kind of funny because I listen to him on my iPod and sing. YES… I am that girl.

Organization has been a challenge for me all the way around. I think that living in my head and running crazy all the time has taken a toll on my organizational skills. I think me and the FLYLADY are going to become acquainted again. Hopefully BFF’s. I am in the process of organizing my C*EYE*BER Fiber schedule for the year right now. I will be doing more shows and fairs. I, sadly, applied to MD Sheep and Wool and was waitlisted. In it’s place I have decided to have a PRE Maryland Sheep and Wool Open House at my studio in Baltimore on Friday May 2nd . Wine, cheese and hand-dyed, handmade stuff. That should be a fun excuse to throw a welcome party for Michelle… yup… she is coming to Baltimore to be my Sheep and Wool partner in crime.

So.. there it is folks. I am hoping to do a monthly goal check in post. Here is to a 2008 that is filled with everything I want, need, and what makes me happy!

ETA:

Check this out!! Thing-A-Day Challenge. Looks like a lot of folks are thinking the same thing!

This photo truly captures my relationship with my son. It was taken by my older brother on Christmas Eve at my mom’s house.

Those moments are some of my most cherished ones. Thanks Bro!

I took a drawing that I made and turned them into these using my new Print Gocco.

I printed on some old maps from a 1966 World Atlas… there were countries in the atlas that don’t exist anymore.

Here are some close ups:

I love how the differences in the maps really change the design. I have some things to learn about controlling the ink and dispersing it evenly… but as a first effort… I think it is pretty good!

I ran across this in my bloggy travels…. it is so worth looking at the video!

I want to congratulate my girl Michelle for her FIRST published design (On the COVER no less!)

PLEASE go over to her blog and tell her how beautiful it is! Way to go friend! I am very proud of you!